Elvis Presley: ’68 Comeback Special

The special is considered one of Presley’s best performances

• Christina Zeiders
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  Christina Zeiders is the Communications Specialist at WITF. She helps get the word out about all of WITF's programs, events and community conversations.

Throughout the 1950s, Elvis Presley was a leader of the rock and roll revolution in music and pop culture. In the 1960s, he switched his focus to his successful movie career. By 1968, it had been more than seven years since he had appeared on stage in front of a live audience.

In June 1968, Elvis taped his first television special in Burbank, California. It aired on December 3 and accomplished two things – it saved his career and showcased the best music of his life.

Premiering on NBC, the special attracted 42% of the viewing audience. It was the network’s biggest ratings victory that year and the season’s top-rated show. It stands today as one of the greatest moments in rock music history and as a brilliant milestone in Elvis’ career.

Elvis Presley was one of the most influential pop culture figures of the 20^th century, often referred to as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” His commanding voice and charismatic stage presence unleashed a musical and cultural revolution that changed the world.

Over the course of his career, Elvis won three and was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards, sold over one billion records worldwide, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his musical accolades, Elvis starred in 33 films and made numerous television appearances.

Graceland, Elvis’ Memphis home, is the second most-visited home in the United States after the White House.

More than 60 years after his global debut, Elvis’ legacy is stronger than ever. His life and music have inspired – and continue to inspire – countless hit musicals, movies and TV series, books, and musical covers, as well as a robust merchandise program spanning collectibles and fashion collaborations.

Last summer, Warner Bros. Pictures’ epic big-screen drama, Elvis, from filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler, debuted in theaters globally. Netflix has ordered an animated action-comedy series, Agent Elvis, coming in early 2023.

Watch Elvis Presley: ’68 Comeback Special on WITF TV or live stream it from the PBS app on Wednesday, March 1 at 8:00pm, Sunday, March 5 at 11:30am, or Saturday, March 11 at 10:00am.